Not All Winterwear Is Created Equal

You're reading Shopper: Highsnobiety's bulletin on what’s taking up headspace from the marketplace. This is an edit of October 28's newsletter, in which Shopping Editor Max Migowski likens winter jackets to cars. Subscribe here, or head to the Shopping tab for more recs.It's Time to Pick Out This Year's Winter JacketAsk for winter jacket recommendations, and ye shall receive. There are nearly as many winter jackets out there as there are people, so it takes a good, honest look inward — inside the coat, of course, but also yourself — to make the best decision. Upon first glance, especially with down jackets, plenty of coats can appear indistinguishable save for whatever logo — or lack thereof — graces the sleeve or chest. As a result, this category often defaults to an exercise in brand allegiance rather than a matter of design discernment. Sometimes the question isn’t to puff or not to puff, but which way to.Canada Goose, Woolrich, or Shackleton wearers, after all, are each a whole other type of person than, say, the Veilance client; a Stone Island puffer isn't spiritually comparable to an Aspesi one, however alike they may materially seem in price or look: Some styles are more about showing off, others are a decided effort not to, and then there are those that are to wink at a likeminded individual and engage in a blissfully mutual nod of approval imperceptible to everyone but you two. Winter jackets can be like cars, in that they project information about their owner's hobbies, values, and taste. I, for instance, try to defy cold temperatures by stacking liner vests under fluffy fleeces for as long as thermally possible. What's that say about me? More crucially, however, I want you to answer this: What winter jacket wearer are you? Do you already have this season’s ski trips (plural!) planned? You’ll want to be swaddled by either Moncler's eccentric offering, The North Face’s more classic version, or Uniqlo's utilitarian option? Perhaps you prefer quiltless minimalism and subtly techy performance-maxxing? You'll then appreciate a svelte Patagonia, an even svelter Goldwin, or the sveltest Arc'teryx parka.If your wardrobe tends to orbit around naval, pilot and military-inspired garb even, there's aviator shearlings, peacoats, and firemen clasp jackets by Dehen, Schott, and Fay, respectively.And if you see workwear as a lifestyle, not just a moodboard, you’ll want to scope out L.L. Bean barn jackets, Carhartt chore coats, and Dickies’ Eisenhowers, which can indeed work as a year-round staple — with or without padded lining.Big into layering? If so, you’ll enjoy the help of long, woolen and oversized silhouettes like mfpen's or Lemaire's or Auralee's.Or are you a Barbour enthusiast who insists on preppy English hunter wear even when it starts to snow? Then you’ll find A.P.C.'s or the J.Press duffle coats will scratch a similar itch.Open Tabs: Everything We've Got Our Eyes On Right NowBefore we get into it: Nordstrom is offering an additional 20% on clearance; “EXTRA25” gets you 25% at Lee's checkout; select styles from Uniqlo:C by Clare Waight Keller are down $30.Octobre Éditions launched a limited run of Japanese denim, the cut of which I can't get over. The Harris Tweed coat is just as enticing — a part Scottish country, part layer-lover hybrid.The cany-colored Joe Freshgoods x Blackstock & Weber Ellis shoe isn't a sneaker-loafer fusion, but a traditional loafer in nontraditional guise. Todd Snyder x New Balance's T500 “Café Pack,” in turn, takes a retro tennis shoe and gives it a suavely coffee-hued, suede makeover. Classy!For its latest drop, ERL traded its Californian cool for preppier vibes, with the crest crew-neck and varsity hoodie lending modern West Coast touches to East Coast-y classics.Inspired by a yak-wool piece on display at one of his stockists in Osaka, Evan Kinori contacted the latter's designers to have them hand-knit his own chunky zip sweater.Unfil's icy blue, mohair-wool blend balaclava is the practical and whimsical winter accessory you've been yearning for. It's also half off!To know me is to know I love a big bag. But I’d still have a lot of fun finding things to put into Tembea's adorable miniature canvas shopper (and then attach it to my humongous work tote).Auralee x Tekla have once again teamed up to make the sexiest, steeziest pajamas and loungewear ever. Expect to see me in the plaid sets and ribbed cardigan all season long.Likewise, Haven x Timberland's new GORE-TEX boot could easily stay on-foot ‘til spring, no questions asked.Do I need this luxurious, leather bound Burberry x Smythson notebook and matching travel chess set, embossed with my initials? No. I want it anyway.Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.